The objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is to stabilize
greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent and reduce
dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system. The ability of the international
community to achieve this objective is dependent on an accurate knowledge of GHG emissions trends,
and on our collective ability to alter these trends.

In accordance with Articles 4 and 12 of the Convention and the relevant decisions of the Conference
of the Parties (COP), Annex I Parties to the Convention submit to the secretariat national greenhouse
gas inventories of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases not
controlled by the Montreal Protocol. These inventories are subject to an annual technical review
process. In addition, Annex I Parties provide inventory data in summary form in their national
communications and biennial reports under the Convention.

Important guidance

Revision of the UNFCCC reporting guidelines on annual inventories for Parties included in Annex I to
the Convention (decision
24/CP.19)

Updated “Guidance for reporting information on activities under Article 3, paragraphs 3 and 4, of
the Kyoto Protocol” (decision
6/CMP.9)

Updated “Guidelines for the technical review of information reported under the Convention related
to greenhouse gas inventories, biennial reports and national communications by Parties included in
Annex I to the Convention” (decision
13/CP.20)

Updated "Training programme for review experts for the technical review of greenhouse gas
inventories of Parties included in Annex I to the Convention” (decision
14/CP.20)